Outside Lands Photos & Review – Day One

Outside Lands 2013 kicked off on Friday, August 9 at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The crowds and clouds began to roll in heavy and the day kicked off with beers flowin’ (first stop, beer tent!) and feet dancin’ to the sweet sounds of a Grimy Goods fave, The Heavy. Headlining the Sutro stage the band rocked a variety of songs, old and new, but really got the crowds’ attention with lead singer Swaby’s call-and-response for “How You Like Me Now?” and the infectious, fist-pumping number “What Makes a Good Man?”

Rhye played to several enthusiasts in the crowd and with their subtle, sweet, indie slow jams and they got all the hipster couples groovin’ and hollerin’ with songs like “Last Dance” and “The Fall.” Add a sexy trombone solo (only Rhye could make trombone sexy) for the win. Chic with Nile Rodgers kept the groove momentum with an upbeat, dance fueled set (we even witnessed a little twerkin’!) with their slew of classic hits from “I’m Coming Out,” “We Are Family,” and a balls to the wall rendition of “Good Times / Rapper’s Delight.” I couldn’t be more pleased by all the superb, live, bass in my face.

Other sets of note included the wild guitar/drum distortion world of The Men, that even had the security staff headbanging and foot-tapping, and The National‘s atmospheric set featuring the Kronos Quartet and a surprise appearance by the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir. The night ended on a high note with Paul McCartney‘s long and much anticipated set — from “8 Days a Week” to “Band on the Run,” just name a song, and he probably played it. He busted out an endearing, ukulele version of “Something” — hello heart melt! Paul even went above and beyond with a fireworks spectacular during a rambunctious “Live and Let Die” and the crowd came together in perfect harmony during “Hey Jude.” Pretty sure I can die happy now.